Abstract [en]

The purpose of this study is to critically examine Irving Janis groupthink concept and to evaluate if it is a sustainable theory.

The issues I have chosen to examine are:

 What criticisms have been and can be directed against Irving L Janis Groupthink theory?

 How has the groupthink theory evolved since its creation?

To answer these questions and to achieve my purpose, a literature review was conducted based upon a qualitative approach.

The results showed that since Janis coined the term groupthink in 1972, criticism has mainly focused on the flawed amount of received support for the theory, its negative form, and Janis narrow focus on failures. Based on this critique and my own analytical skills brings me to the conclusion that group think theory is not to be seen as a sustainable theory. The way groupthink theory developed is that it have given rise to several other possible explanations in terms of decision making in groups and that it acted as a catalyst for this area in small-group research.